A focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Living with a serious health condition brings many challenges, particularly if the illness in question is not always obvious to others. As well as having to deal with the symptoms of the condition, someone with an ‘invisible illness’ can find that other people are less understanding and tolerant of the problems they experience.
At Bluebird Care Wandsworth, Putney & Battersea, we believe in looking beneath the surface and seeing the unique experience of each individual – it’s at the heart of our person-centred care philosophy! That’s why we’re supporting the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society’s ‘Behind the Smile’ campaign which encourages people to think about how it feels to live with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that is often not self-evident but which can severely affect someone’s quality of life.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Most people associate the word arthritis with a bit of wear and tear on the joints as we age but this describes osteoarthritis, a condition that affects the bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder. Here, the body’s immune response (the one that normally protects you from infection) overreacts and mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. People often experience their first symptoms in the feet and hands but it can spread to other parts of the body and even affect organs like the lungs, eyes and heart.
Almost 700,000 people in the UK suffer from the disease, with women being more widely affected than men and although it’s more common in older people, it can strike at any age. Symptoms include pain, swelling, inflammation, stiffness and fatigue, all of which can seriously restrict what the person is able to do. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience fluctuating symptoms – one day they may be able to do something, the next they may find the same task frustratingly beyond their capabilities.
Coping With The Challenges Of A Chronic Disease
Advances in arthritis research have provided a variety of medical treatments and, for some, it’s possible to manage the condition reasonably well with the right medication combined with a healthy diet and moderate exercise. However, day-to-day living is still very challenging, particularly when experiencing a ‘flare up’ of symptoms. Struggling to keep up with daily tasks can be exhausting, painful and sometimes exacerbate already debilitating symptoms. People who have rheumatoid arthritis are also twice as likely to suffer from depression, so it’s even more important that they get the right support.
That’s where we can help. With flexible, individualised homecare from Bluebird Care Wandsworth, Putney & Battersea life can be so much easier and more enjoyable for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Our dedicated Care Assistants can take on the tasks that Customers find difficult, leaving them more time and energy to concentrate on staying as well as possible. Not only that, our amazing staff provide the emotional support that is so important when dealing with a disease that is often misunderstood or dismissed by others. We only choose the very best candidates for the job, so our Customers can be assured that our Care Assistants will give them the compassion and empathy they deserve as well as practical assistance of the highest order.
Our Commitment To Person-Centred Support: Providing Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Wandsworth, Putney & Battersea
To us, every customer is unique. We understand that each person will experience their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in different ways and that’s why we tailor each support package to match the individual’s specific needs. Respecting and appreciating the person is part of our core values and we take great care to build strong Customer/staff relationships. In our experience, knowing that they have the practical and emotional support they need can significantly improve the wellbeing of those living with chronic disorders and we’re fully committed to providing the very best services available.
Getting treatment and support early can significantly improve the long-term outcome for people with rheumatoid arthritis, so if you’d like to talk about how our services could benefit you, please get in touch. You can use our online contact form or call one of our friendly teams for an informal chat on 020 8877 4950.